Guidance for Cardiac Electrophysiology During the COVID-19 Pandemic from the Heart Rhythm Society COVID-19 Task Force; Electrophysiology Section of the American College of Cardiology; and the Electrocardiography and Arrhythmias Committee of the Council on Clinical Cardiology, American Heart Association
Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy, Mina K. Chung, Rakesh Gopinathannair, Kristen K. Patton, Ty J. Gluckman, Mohit K. Turagam, Jim W. Cheung, Parin J. Patel, Juan C. Sotomonte, Rachel Lampert, Janet K. Han, Bharath Rajagopalan, Lee L. Eckhardt, José A. Joglar, Kristin E. Sandau, Brian Olshansky, Elaine Y. Wan, Peter A. Noseworthy, Miguel A. Leal, Elizabeth S. Kaufman, Alejandra Gutiérrez, Joseph E. Marine, Paul J. Wang, Andrea M. Russo
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that is wreaking havoc on the health and economy of much of human civilization. Electrophysiologists have been impacted personally and professionally by this global catastrophe. In this joint article from representatives of the Heart Rhythm Society, the American College of Cardiology, and the American Heart Association, we identify the potential risks of exposure to patients, allied healthcare staff, industry representatives, and hospital administrators. We also describe the impact of COVID-19 on cardiac arrhythmias and methods of triage based on acuity and patient comorbidities. We provide guidance for managing invasive and noninvasive electrophysiology procedures, clinic visits, and cardiac device interrogations. In addition, we discuss resource conservation and the role of telemedicine in remote patient care along with management strategies for affected patients.